Sharapova finds top form

MARIA SHARAPOVA set up an eye-catching Wimbledon semi-final against wild card Sabine Lisicki and admitted it felt great to be in contention again.

Russian Sharapova explained how the path to her first semi-final since 2006 at the All England Club has been hampered by setbacks. The 2004 champion lost form and fitness following a flurry of success early in her career and is only operating at full throttle once again thanks to shoulder surgery.

A last-four appearance in the recent French Open suggested the 24-year-old was back on track and she confirmed that by hammering Dominika Cibulkova 6-1 6-1 in 59 minutes yesterday. Sharapova tackles Lisicki in the last four tomorrow.